As a real mom of two boys, I learned with my firstborn what the most helpful newborn must-haves and the most useless items I had used were. When I had my second born, navigating the hard times with a newborn was so much easier because I knew the things that worked. And I knew the things that didn’t so I didn’t waste time and frustrations. When you bring home your little bundle of joy, the excitement is palpable. However, with that excitement often comes an overwhelming amount of advice and products, leaving new parents wondering what they truly need. After navigating the newborn stage with both of my kids, I’ve compiled a list of the three most helpful and utterly useless items that filled my parenting journey.
Most Helpful Newborn Must Haves
Velcro Swaddle:
Without a doubt, the Velcro swaddle tops my list as a game-changer. These magical wraps made bedtime a breeze. They snugly swaddled my newborns, providing a sense of security that mimicked being in the womb. Plus, the Velcro closure was a lifesaver during those sleep-deprived nights. Midnight diaper changes became a quick task instead of a production. With one swift wrap and the satisfying sound of the Velcro sealing, I could get back to the much-needed Zzzs in no time.
Mylacon Drops:
For parents of gassy babies, Mylacon drops are like a magic potion. Both of my little ones dealt with uncomfortable gas, leading to fussiness and many sleepless nights. After trying various remedies, Mylacon was truly a saving grace. These drops helped relieve distress and enabled my babies to be more comfortable, allowing everyone to catch a bit more sleep. If there’s one product I’d recommend to new parents dealing with a gassy baby, it’s definitely Mylacon. An essential in the category of newborn must haves!
Frida Baby Newborn Must-Have Products:
I can’t sing enough praises for Frida Baby. The entire line is designed with parenthood in mind, making those challenging baby moments a tad easier. From their NoseFrida snot sucker to the baby nail clippers, each product is of excellent quality and user-friendly. One of my favorite items was the Windi, which helped with gas relief when my babies were particularly uncomfortable. Frida Baby has been my go-to brand, and I’ve found their products to be reliable every time. This brand truly fits into my list of newborn must haves.
Most Useless and Non-Essential Newborn Items, IMO
Wipe Warmer:
You might think that a wipe warmer would be essential for keeping your baby’s bottom warm, but I found it to be a waste of both space and time. With my first child, I diligently warmed those wipes, only to realize they dried out towards the end of the pack. By the time baby number two arrived, he got cold wipes straight from the pack, and guess what? He survived without any trauma. It’s just not necessary.
Formula Maker:
Initially, I was drawn to the idea of a formula maker, thinking it would simplify late-night feedings. However, my experience was far from smooth. The machine mixed my firstborn’s formula incorrectly, and I only discovered this after testing it—resulting in a bit of panic. After doing my research and talking to the pediatrician, I learned that formula makers aren’t always safe. For me, it was more trouble than it was worth.
Bottle Warmer:
Learning from my first baby’s experiences, I quickly learned that a bottle warmer is simply unnecessary. During outings, I found myself scrambling to warm up a bottle in the most inconvenient places, like the middle of a grocery store. By the time my second baby came along, I offered bottles straight from the fridge or at room temperature, and he never even blinked. It turns out that a bottle can be served cold without any drama.
Navigating the world of parenting is no easy feat, especially when it comes to choosing the right products for your newborn. By reflecting on my experiences, I hope to provide some insight that will help new parents focus on what truly matters, rather than getting lost in the clutter of unnecessary gadgets. Keep in mind these helpful newborn must haves, and enjoy the journey; it’s a beautiful, chaotic ride!
